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Lateral entry teaching

Teacher shortage

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Statewide information

 

Lateral Entry teaching

 

Seeking a position as a lateral entry teacher means you have at least a bachelor's degree and are interested in starting teaching right away while you work on your licensure requirements.  It is a decision between you and your potential employer. 

 

The university will provide a pathway to licensure whether you decide (1) to prepare for licensure before entering the classroom, (2) to enter the classroom during your licensure preparation, or (3) to seek a lateral entry position and then take your licensure coursework while teaching.

 

The federal No Child Left Behind legislation (2002) has raised states' requirements for hiring lateral entry teachers.  In NC Title I schools as of 2003-04, and in all NC public schools as of 2006-07, you may be eligible to be hired as a lateral entry teacher in the following areas

• The core academic areas of middle and secondary schools if you have a bachelors or masters degree with a major (or equivalent) in that core subject.  You may also be hired if you pass the Praxis II exam in that core subject even if you do not have the equivalent of a major. 

• The K-12 specialty areas of art, dance, music, theatre, and second languages with a major (or equivalent) in one of those subjects.  You may also be hired if you pass the Praxis II exam if it is available in that core subject even if you do not have the equivalent of a major. 

• In elementary education or special education if you pass the Praxis II exams before applying for a position. 

 

If you are hired as a lateral entry teacher, the school system will provide orientation and a mentor.  You will then have three years in which to satisfy remaining licensure requirements.  (There are more details included in the statewide information below.)

 

Teacher shortage

 

There is clearly a teacher shortage in North Carolina.  However, the kinds of licensed teachers needed will vary by region of the state and even by school systems within the same region.  In some areas, teachers are needed in all fields, at all levels.  In other areas, specific kinds of teachers are needed because of changing demographics; for example, teachers of English as a Second Language are critically needed in areas of growing immigrant populations.  Across the entire state, however, there are four areas of consistent shortage:

• Special Education

• Middle Grades

• Mathematics

• Science